In an undercover investigation, targeting online adult ads, which began Wednesday, August 18, 2010, through Saturday, August 21, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 44suspects. The suspects, both male and female, have been charged with either Soliciting another for Prostitution, Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, or Aiding and Abetting Prostitution. Additional charges ranged from Drug Possession, Disorderly Conduct, to Violation of Probation.

After negotiating with detectives online, or by phone, the suspects, traveled from Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Lake Wales, Davenport, Orlando, Deltona, Wesley Chapel, Oldsmar, Thonotosassa, Titusville, Orange City, and Brandon to an undisclosed location in Polk County. Suspects from Oklahoma, Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina told detectives they were in the central Florida area specifically for prostitution. Detectives were offered sex acts ranging from oral sex to intercourse in exchange for between $200 and $400 cash.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our undercover detectives, this operation, targeting escort services, surpassed our expectations,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Detectives focused on internet sites offering personal advertising and once again found these sites providing the perfect environment for crime to occur. Detectives saw an infant, a pregnant woman, a juvenile, pimps, and a mother who was dropped off by her son. There were even offers of sex so one suspect could buy a tank of gas. The ads used by the suspects appeared on www.craigslist.com, and www.backpage.com, and clearly promoted prostitution, obscenity, and irresponsible behavior by allowing unedited ads and explicit images to be posted on their websites. Prostitution and the destructive lifestyles of those who commit this crime threaten the quality of life for our community and we will continue to target this crime in Polk County. Prostitution is illegal and those who commit or who derive proceeds from this crime can expect to go to jail.”

Gerald Thomason, DOB 08/27/1990, 415 Club Circle, Lake Wales - Thomason was charged with Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Resisting without Violence.

Michelle Mularoni, DOB 08/18/1975, 12912 Mikelyn Place, Thonotosassa - Mularoni is charged with 2 counts of Soliciting another for Prostitution. (Mularoni offered to have sex with two detectives posing as boyfriend and girlfriend.)

Mackenzie Ferullo, DOB 10/26/1984, 4994 Dockside Drive, Orlando - Ferullo is charged with Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Drug without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Soliciting another for Prostitution.